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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n false_a true_a worship_n 4,780 5 7.8086 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54945 A discourse of prayer wherein this great duty is stated, so as to oppose some principles and practices of Papists and fanaticks; as they are contrary to the publick forms of the Church of England, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament. By Thomas Pittis, D.D. one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. Wherefore, that way and profession in religion, which gives the best directions for it, (viz. prayer) with the most effectual motives to it, and most aboundeth in its observance, hath therein the advantage of all others. Dr. Owen in his preface to his late discourse of the work of the Holy SPirit in prayer, &c. Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2314; ESTC R220541 149,431 404

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the_o more_o we_o employ_v our_o body_n in_o decent_a expression_n of_o gravity_n humility_n and_o apt_a affection_n to_o declare_v the_o inward_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o vigour_n and_o fervent_a desire_n and_o the_o most_o awful_a thought_n of_o that_o great_a majesty_n who_o we_o adore_v for_o this_o deportment_n give_v to_o god_n a_o whole_a sacrifice_n when_o other_o who_o in_o their_o prayer_n only_o hide_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o body_n as_o if_o they_o be_v confine_v as_o the_o heathen_a god_n to_o a_o immovable_a and_o stiff_a statue_n separate_v the_o inward_a action_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o any_o correspondent_a gesture_n of_o their_o body_n if_o they_o worship_v god_n at_o all_o which_o they_o seem_v not_o very_o fond_a to_o declare_v yet_o they_o devote_v only_o half_a of_o themselves_o and_o honour_v he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o other_o man_n can_v neither_o see_v nor_o know_v unless_o man_n have_v casement_n in_o their_o breast_n that_o be_v open_v other_o may_v look_v into_o they_o but_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o man_n body_n ought_v to_o accompany_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o apparent_a from_o god_n injunction_n under_o the_o law_n that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o any_o contradiction_n and_o if_o we_o argue_v for_o it_o under_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o gospel_n from_o those_o command_v we_o sin_v in_o the_o law_n we_o have_v nothing_o return_v but_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o dull_a and_o stupid_a people_n in_o comparison_n to_o ourselves_o and_o man_n thus_o boast_v instead_o of_o have_v much_o cause_n of_o triumph_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o invective_n we_o have_v hear_v against_o the_o pitiful_a carnality_n and_o dulness_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o appear_v too_o often_o to_o our_o great_a loss_n that_o they_o be_v as_o witty_a and_o more_o cunning_a than_o ourselves_o we_o indeed_o have_v receive_v help_n and_o advantage_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a religion_n than_o they_o can_v be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o yet_o what_o be_v then_o establish_v which_o reason_n enforce_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v never_o yet_o repeat_v under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o ever_o can_v i_o may_v confident_o affirm_v may_v remain_v still_o without_o any_o check_n or_o control_v for_o use_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v to_o any_o damage_n in_o affirm_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o man_n body_n in_o all_o their_o public_a address_n unto_o god_n aught_o to_o accompany_v that_o of_o their_o mind_n till_o better_a argument_n be_v bring_v against_o it_o than_o any_o which_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v or_o see_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n that_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n because_o he_o seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4.23_o yet_o all_o this_o though_o when_o it_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n make_v other_o stagger_v that_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o desert_v their_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v become_v wise_a and_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o possess_v their_o soul_n and_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fright_v into_o the_o folly_n of_o other_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v when_o just_o enlarge_v on_o rebuke_v schism_n or_o idolatry_n or_o false_a worship_n but_o this_o text_n can_v authorise_v any_o detraction_n from_o external_a decency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o abate_v from_o those_o orderly_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o promote_v uniformity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o or_o tend_v to_o the_o sixation_n and_o establishment_n of_o true_a religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o such_o circumstance_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o particular_a and_o direct_o abolish_v by_o the_o messiah_n have_v be_v before_o type_n and_o prefiguration_n of_o he_o to_o come_v if_o any_o of_o that_o external_a worship_n of_o our_o body_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o christian_a superior_n our_o practice_n will_v contradict_v our_o faith_n and_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o conference_n betwixt_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prohibit_v public_a place_n of_o worship_n or_o external_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n in_o devotion_n adapt_v to_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o establish_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n and_o the_o samaritan_n schism_n and_o idolatry_n too_o and_o brief_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v now_o to_o be_v establish_v to_o abolish_v all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o mankind_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o consent_v in_o one_o common_a principle_n and_o worship_v god_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o their_o redeemer_n have_v live_v in_o this_o world_n with_o true_a devotion_n to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o in_o charity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o may_v at_o last_o die_v with_o comfort_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o then_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v large_o controvert_v to_o a_o victory_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o that_o text_n of_o solomon_n when_o he_o deliver_v point_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a establishment_n and_o of_o a_o universal_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n eccles_n 5.1_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o usual_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n of_o those_o eastern_a country_n to_o signify_v their_o reverence_n in_o a_o sacred_a place_n by_o put_v off_o their_o sandal_n before_o they_o enter_v that_o they_o may_v not_o profane_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o render_v common_a by_o a_o defilement_n a_o holy_a place_n or_o what_o be_v separate_v from_o vulgar_a use_n to_o such_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o relate_v unto_o god_n from_o whence_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o injunction_n more_o ancient_a than_o this_o text_n pull_v off_o thy_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n exod._n 3.5_o the_o place_n be_v before_z mean_v and_o inconsiderable_a a_o toft_a of_o ground_n on_o which_o bush_n grow_v yet_o because_o god_n consecrate_v 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but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretension_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hint_n something_o before_o i_o end_v which_o advance_v their_o rudeness_n into_o perfect_a blasphemy_n if_o pray_v extempore_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n methodical_a and_o faultless_a it_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o good_a chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o they_o have_v a_o escape_n when_o they_o have_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o for_o it_o but_o when_o david_n be_v barter_v for_o the_o threshing-floor_n of_o araunah_n and_o for_o ox_n also_o for_o a_o burn_a sacrifice_n nay_o the_o very_a wood_n to_o kindle_v the_o fire_n all_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v present_v with_o for_o nothing_o david_n refuse_v so_o royal_a a_o gift_n and_o his_o reason_n as_o himself_o express_v it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v burn_v offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o &_o 24._o but_o these_o bold_a man_n with_o who_o 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understand_v when_o it_o be_v utter_v for_o their_o rapture_n so_o muffle_v up_o their_o notion_n and_o both_o be_v so_o mix_v with_o their_o petition_n which_o they_o wrap_v in_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a metaphor_n that_o the_o mean_a sort_n can_v understand_v they_o but_o sigh_n and_o groan_n they_o know_v not_o why_o and_o the_o more_o consider_v part_n that_o be_v not_o blind_a have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v such_o religion_n which_o the_o patron_n and_o promoter_n endeavour_v with_o so_o much_o care_n to_o secure_v from_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o strict_a examination_n all_o that_o i_o admire_v in_o it_o be_v how_o they_o can_v be_v dark_a at_o noonday_n and_o mount_v out_o of_o sight_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o extempore_o unless_o whatever_o their_o pretension_n be_v to_o quickness_n of_o invention_n they_o study_v such_o unusual_a expression_n design_o to_o amuse_v but_o not_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n as_o cotta_n in_o tully_n speak_v of_o heraclitus_n the_o nat_n deor._n lib._n 3._o quae_fw-la diceret_fw-la intelligi_fw-la noluit_fw-la that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o it_o be_v make_v vocal_a man_n be_v suppose_v to_o declare_v their_o want_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o this_o especial_o when_o any_o community_n join_v in_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v manage_v with_o a_o honest_a plainness_n without_o any_o mysterious_a riddle_n or_o equivocal_a language_n or_o petition_n wrap_v up_o in_o mourn_a metaphor_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v bury_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o any_o other_o coptical_a and_o egyptian_a expression_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o decipher_v and_o much_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o as_o well_o baffle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o too_o frequent_o vail_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o he_o that_o make_v the_o oblation_n nay_o very_o often_o amuse_v those_o of_o better_a understanding_n so_o 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extempore_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o conceive_v prayer_n in_o a_o congregation_n to_o insinuate_v doctrine_n in_o their_o petition_n be_v so_o manifest_a to_o all_o observe_a person_n who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o such_o meeting_n that_o a_o person_n of_o any_o judgement_n at_o all_o may_v certain_o judge_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o gift_a brother_n that_o pray_v by_o his_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o then_o where_o people_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o those_o who_o they_o embrace_v for_o their_o minister_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o common_a multitude_n must_v and_o in_o most_o point_n it_o be_v notorious_a in_o many_o of_o our_o separatist_n what_o they_o use_v in_o their_o prayer_n and_o speech_n unto_o god_n must_v needs_o obtain_v a_o great_a reputation_n with_o they_o than_o what_o be_v only_o address_v to_o man_n because_o they_o then_o think_v their_o minister_n to_o be_v most_o serious_a cautious_a and_o devout_a too_o this_o therefore_o be_v wary_o and_o exceed_o well_o provide_v against_o after_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n cease_v by_o the_o council_n at_o laodicea_n can._n 18._o where_o the_o father_n assemble_v enjoin_v their_o church_n to_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n both_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o in_o the_o fifty_o nine_o canon_n of_o the_o same_o council_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o vulgar_o compose_a psalm_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o sufficient_a understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o book_n that_o be_v not_o canonical_a shall_v not_o be_v sing_v or_o read_v in_o the_o church_n where_o also_o for_o man_n satisfaction_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v find_v the_o title_n or_o name_n of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o council_n then_o receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o in_o the_o milevitan_a council_n can._n 12._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o those_o prayer_n and_o office_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o a_o assembly_n or_o council_n shall_v only_o be_v use_v exclude_v other_o in_o all_o their_o public_a administration_n lest_o any_o thing_n shall_v either_o through_o inconsideration_n or_o ignorance_n be_v utter_v before_o the_o people_n that_o may_v contradict_v the_o common_a faith_n receive_v and_o continue_v among_o they_o and_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o prophetical_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o establishment_n for_o the_o present_a and_o transfer_v the_o most_o holy_a christian_a religion_n from_o their_o own_o age_n to_o the_o succeed_a so_o as_o nothing_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n but_o what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o of_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o to_o obviate_v that_o extravagant_a itch_n of_o man_n which_o since_o we_o have_v find_v increase_v into_o a_o
may_v recover_v strength_n and_o retrieve_v their_o vigour_n by_o these_o small_a interruption_n and_o not_o suffer_v too_o great_a a_o weakness_n to_o steal_v insensible_o upon_o they_o by_o be_v always_o bend_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n therefore_o the_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o import_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v design_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n may_v usual_o imply_v but_o they_o must_v admit_v of_o limitation_n and_o restraint_n so_o that_o to_o be_v short_a in_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o the_o like_a 1._o when_o we_o have_v such_o prepare_v and_o ardent_a love_n to_o our_o maker_n ourselves_o and_o the_o fellow_n creature_n of_o our_o own_o species_n that_o the_o exciting_a cause_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v always_o present_a when_o the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o duty_n offer_v themselves_o 2._o when_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o perpetual_a readiness_n and_o aptitude_n for_o devotion_n when_o ever_o we_o have_v time_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o prayer_n return_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o sudden_o it_o may_v assault_v we_o so_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o settle_a temper_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o exert_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n upon_o any_o emergent_a or_o periodical_a occasion_n 3._o when_o we_o perform_v the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o our_o devotion_n with_o the_o high_a strain_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o soul_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n when_o a_o long_a protraction_n or_o a_o seem_a denial_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n do_v not_o discourage_v we_o to_o a_o relaxation_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o diligence_n be_v renew_v our_o supplication_n double_v and_o we_o add_v force_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n and_o importunate_a widow_n to_o the_o end_n say_v the_o text_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_o 18.1_o last_o we_o may_v be_v then_o say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n to_o pray_v always_o and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o make_v the_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n frequent_a and_o our_o supplication_n to_o god_n be_v willing_o present_v as_o often_o as_o time_n and_o opportunity_n be_v afford_v we_o at_o least_o it_o can_v come_v short_a of_o this_o to_o make_v prayer_n our_o every_o day_n work_v so_o that_o nullâ_fw-la die_fw-la intermittantur_fw-la certa_fw-la tempora_fw-la orandi_fw-la we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o state_v time_n and_o hour_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o rational_a than_o prayer_n itself_o be_v pleasant_a and_o advantageous_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v dependent_a being_n and_o daily_o need_v the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o supply_v our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o want_n and_o the_o kind_a providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o support_v and_o nourish_v we_o the_o continual_a casualty_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o and_o the_o frequent_a danger_n we_o be_v involve_v in_o by_o our_o own_o inadvertency_n the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n the_o net_n which_o unfaithful_a or_o malicious_a man_n spread_v for_o we_o and_o the_o violence_n or_o insinuation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o daily_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o deliver_v we_o the_o daily_a present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o offering_n of_o the_o law_n numb_a 28._o at_o the_o beginning_n these_o be_v type_n of_o the_o christian_a service_n which_o be_v perform_v morning_n and_o evening_n become_v our_o solemn_a and_o reasonable_a devotion_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n too_o will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n think_v prayer_n so_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o rather_o than_o omit_v it_o he_o will_v endure_v the_o utmost_a severity_n even_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n dan._n 6.10_o this_o be_v enjoin_v in_o that_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v to_o be_v both_o our_o form_n and_o our_o pattern_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o petition_v our_o daily_a bread_n day_n by_o day_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o by_o this_o prohibit_v too_o inordinate_a a_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o injoin_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o our_o maker_n command_v frequent_a and_o daily_a petition_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v now_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_o 1.75_o of_o which_o comprehensive_a duty_n our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v necessary_a part_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o second_o particular_a mention_v in_o the_o scheme_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o intermission_n chap._n iii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o it_o and_o determine_v to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religious_a devotion_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o must_v without_o all_o peradventure_o be_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o being_n inferior_a to_o himself_o we_o honour_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o saint_n depart_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a be_v sacred_a to_o we_o we_o admire_v also_o the_o excellency_n of_o angel_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o various_a and_o useful_a workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n nay_o we_o treat_v all_o thing_n in_o our_o thought_n and_o discourse_n with_o that_o esteem_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o being_n or_o that_o order_n which_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o we_o advance_v our_o contemplation_n when_o we_o think_v of_o angel_n suitable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o their_o being_n and_o their_o honourable_a employment_n of_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v legion_n of_o they_o at_o his_o disposal_n but_o there_o be_v from_o he_o neither_o command_n nor_o argument_n for_o invocation_n of_o they_o nor_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o aid_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v order_v by_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n we_o therefore_o make_v no_o address_n to_o they_o by_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o separate_v devotion_n because_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o pay_v such_o service_n to_o a_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o our_o creator_n only_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o pay_v our_o ceremony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o respect_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n suitable_a to_o their_o natural_a or_o acquire_v dignity_n and_o common_a justice_n command_v our_o internal_a value_n and_o esteem_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o their_o excellency_n and_o virtue_n but_o we_o do_v not_o present_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v every_o one_o that_o be_v rich_o adorn_v nor_o petition_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v nay_o to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v without_o idolatry_n or_o sin_n we_o shall_v not_o refuse_v to_o pay_v such_o civil_a testimony_n of_o our_o respect_n as_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a give_v either_o to_o glorify_a saint_n or_o innocent_a and_o ever_o bless_a angel_n shall_v they_o at_o any_o time_n assume_v shape_n and_o mix_v themselves_o among_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o negotiate_v any_o affair_n with_o we_o and_o descend_v to_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o humane_a conversation_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a time_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o apparition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o either_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n nor_o the_o s_o light_n and_o trick_n of_o cunning_a priest_n or_o any_o false_a appearance_n to_o our_o own_o imagination_n or_o either_o subtle_a or_o roguish_a invention_n of_o other_o man_n but_o may_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v not_o delude_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o act_n of_o religion_n appropriate_v to_o god_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o
those_o to_o who_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o civil_a respect_n to_o be_v just_a and_o due_a this_o be_v only_o a_o estimation_n express_v by_o outward_a sign_n and_o gesture_n suitable_a to_o their_o being_n and_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o however_o man_n of_o contrary_a persuasion_n especial_o the_o romanist_n who_o pretend_v to_o proportion_v their_o practice_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v save_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o idolatry_n by_o state_v curious_o the_o termination_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o they_o can_v free_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a from_o error_n and_o presumption_n from_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o will-worship_n when_o they_o pay_v such_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o creature_n in_o glory_n as_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o betwixt_o it_o and_o idolatry_n there_o hang_v no_o more_o than_o a_o small_a cobweb_n a_o very_a nice_a and_o thin_a distinction_n but_o we_o dare_v not_o constitute_v mediator_n of_o our_o own_o when_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o for_o we_o one_o even_a as_o god_n be_v so_o and_o consequent_o must_v exclude_v other_o there_o be_v one_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o nor_o will_v any_o distinction_n here_o serve_v because_o our_o mediator_n intercede_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v more_o mediator_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n more_o must_v have_v shed_v their_o blood_n on_o earth_n we_o desire_v indeed_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n live_v among_o ourselves_o as_o s._n paul_n do_v when_o he_o beseech_v the_o brethren_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o but_o we_o do_v not_o invocate_v they_o by_o act_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o beg_v this_o charitable_a office_n from_o they_o not_o do_v we_o entrench_v upon_o the_o great_a intercessor_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n when_o we_o desire_v these_o intercession_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o only_o that_o the_o incense_n of_o other_o man_n prayer_n ascend_v through_o the_o sky_n to_o the_o supreme_a palace_n of_o the_o most_o high_a may_v be_v present_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n resident_a there_o not_o only_o as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o triumph_n and_o victory_n whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o reassume_v the_o right_n belong_v to_o his_o god_n head_n but_o on_o purpose_n also_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o if_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v receive_v notice_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o we_o know_v how_o to_o signify_v our_o want_n to_o they_o and_o present_v our_o grievance_n to_o their_o apprehension_n as_o we_o do_v to_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o we_o here_o it_o be_v then_o probable_a that_o many_o man_n will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o make_v that_o their_o desire_n to_o they_o though_o not_o by_o a_o religious_a act_n of_o prayer_n which_o now_o they_o conjecture_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a because_o their_o own_o necessity_n themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o complete_o glorify_v may_v incline_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o man_n who_o they_o leave_v in_o this_o low_a world_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o fulfil_n the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v and_o the_o hasten_v that_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v be_v complete_v hereafter_o that_o all_o partake_n in_o a_o glorious_a translation_n or_o resurrection_n they_o themselves_o may_v have_v the_o compleatment_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o now_o desire_v but_o shall_v not_o full_o possess_v till_o the_o reunion_n of_o their_o body_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o death_n yet_o keep_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n beside_o this_o seem_v reasonable_a to_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o soul_n now_o in_o heaven_n can_v but_o be_v advance_v and_o extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a unless_o we_o suppose_v their_o understanding_n and_o memory_n to_o die_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v now_o so_o mindful_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n in_o general_a that_o be_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o a_o miserable_a world_n as_o to_o exert_v some_o act_n in_o common_a that_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o prayer_n for_o we_o so_o can_v man_n who_o be_v yet_o resident_a on_o the_o earth_n know_v any_o method_n of_o signify_v their_o particular_a desire_n to_o they_o they_o may_v perhaps_o insert_v they_o in_o their_o wish_n and_o make_v such_o petition_n their_o own_o for_o if_o the_o rich_a glutton_n in_o hell_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o brethren_n danger_n as_o to_o beg_v abraham_n to_o send_v lazarus_n to_o they_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o future_a torment_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v much_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n to_o carry_v away_o with_o they_o such_o notice_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o hazard_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o enlarge_a charity_n may_v cause_v they_o in_o general_a to_o petition_v for_o their_o relief_n but_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o all_o the_o particular_a accident_n in_o this_o world_n which_o now_o happen_v since_o their_o departure_n nor_o do_v bellarmine_n make_v a_o look_a glass_n of_o his_o maker_n at_o all_o help_n the_o contrary_a assertion_n the_o view_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n tanquam_fw-la in_o speculo_fw-la be_v as_o unintelligible_a by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v invisible_a to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o something_n which_o happen_v here_o and_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n luke_o 15.10_o but_o that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o saint_n depart_v we_o have_v no_o evidence_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v assert_v in_o sacred_a writ_n for_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o israel_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o isa_n 63.16_o and_o therefore_o nesciunt_fw-la mortui_fw-la etiam_fw-la sancti_fw-la quid_fw-la agunt_fw-la vivi_fw-la etiam_fw-la eorum_fw-la silij_fw-la say_v s._n austin_n in_o curâ_fw-la pro_fw-la mortuis_fw-la the_o saint_n that_o be_v dead_a know_v not_o what_o the_o live_a do_v nay_o their_o very_a child_n in_o vain_a therefore_o will_v it_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o any_o impiety_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n and_o religious_a invocation_n to_o desire_v any_o help_n from_o those_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o want_n nor_o any_o where_o appoint_v to_o convey_v blessing_n to_o we_o nay_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o know_v all_o our_o particular_a need_n as_o they_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o implore_v their_o aid_n and_o assistance_n especial_o with_o such_o solemnity_n and_o devotion_n as_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n because_o god_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v direction_n for_o the_o substantial_o and_o essential_a method_n of_o our_o devotion_n have_v no_o where_o command_v such_o circular_a prayer_n that_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o these_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o we_o be_v direct_v only_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o answer_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n say_v christ_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o john_n 16.23_o and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n plain_o exhort_v that_o since_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.6_o here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o similitude_n from_o court_n below_o to_o teach_v we_o method_n of_o address_n to_o he_o by_o who_o prince_n reign_v or_o if_o there_o be_v what_o man_n that_o may_v himself_o present_v his_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a king_n and_o discourse_v his_o affair_n free_o with_o he_o will_v use_v the_o mediation_n of_o a_o master_n of_o request_n especial_o if_o the_o king_n himself_o have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o this_o business_n to_o his_o son_n we_o need_v not_o argue_v ourselves_o to_o reverence_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o distance_n and_o disproportion_n betwixt_o he_o and_o ourselves_o that_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o we_o the_o
workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v a_o right_a of_o be_v petition_v in_o that_o method_n himself_o have_v appoint_v especial_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o favourable_a to_o we_o who_o be_v sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n that_o without_o his_o protection_n shall_v be_v scatter_v by_o the_o wind_n and_o blow_v away_o with_o every_o storm_n and_o we_o must_v easy_o if_o we_o be_v not_o too_o obstinate_a be_v excite_v to_o exercise_v due_a affection_n with_o devout_a intention_n and_o a_o awful_a though_o brisk_a fervency_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o when_o we_o be_v not_o guard_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o frail_a and_o weak_a being_n the_o continual_a dependence_n we_o have_v upon_o our_o maker_n who_o be_v the_o great_a preserver_n of_o man_n and_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n which_o he_o demonstrate_v to_o those_o who_o reverent_o adore_v he_o and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n i_o shall_v therefore_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o particular_a by_o give_v some_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o make_v religious_a address_n chap._n iu._n the_o reason_n why_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o supreme_a veneration_n which_o we_o demonstrate_v by_o our_o solemn_a and_o most_o intense_a devotion_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o to_o he_o who_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n which_o none_o except_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v endow_v with_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n or_o excellency_n seat_v in_o another_o independent_a of_o himself_o god_n will_v then_o be_v finite_a in_o his_o excellency_n something_o be_v suppose_v of_o perfection_n to_o be_v inherent_a in_o another_o which_o be_v not_o in_o himself_o but_o all_o creature_n be_v dependent_a and_o limit_v and_o can_v not_o be_v creature_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o therefore_o whatever_o ray_n of_o glory_n or_o perfection_n shine_v upon_o and_o adorn_v other_o being_n to_o make_v they_o beautiful_a in_o their_o own_o kind_n be_v emit_v from_o that_o glorious_a sun_n which_o produce_v all_o thing_n and_o rule_v they_o by_o his_o power_n hence_o come_v that_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o pious_a david_n before_o all_o the_o congregation_n thou_o o_o lord_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o victory_n and_o the_o majesty_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v thou_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n o_o lord_n and_o thou_o be_v exalt_v as_o head_n above_o all_o both_o riches_n and_o honour_n come_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o reign_v over_o all_o and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v power_n and_o might_n and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v to_o make_v great_a and_o to_o give_v strength_n unto_o all_o 1_o chron._n chap._n 29._o v._n 11_o 12._o this_o also_o be_v most_o devout_o acknowledge_v in_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a fast_o of_o the_o jew_n nehem._n 9.6_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v lord_n alone_o thou_o have_v make_v heaven_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o their_o host_n the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o and_o thou_o preserve_v they_o all_o and_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n worship_v thou_o and_o therefore_o who_o shall_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o lord_n say_v the_o seven_o angel_n and_o glorify_v thy_o name_n for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a because_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_v before_o thou_o for_o thy_o judgement_n be_v make_v manifest_a rev._n 15.4_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n give_v god_n the_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o and_o from_o his_o dominion_n be_v infer_v his_o providence_n and_o his_o providence_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n as_o a_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o from_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o self-existent_a sufficiency_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o his_o eternal_a be_v because_o among_o the_o god_n there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o nor_o be_v any_o work_v like_a unto_o he_o therefore_o say_v david_n all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorify_v thy_o name_n psal_n 86.8_o 9_o so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o man_n worship_n be_v excellency_n and_o greatness_n and_o this_o be_v original_o and_o independent_o in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o none_o to_o other_o but_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o by_o his_o command_n and_o particular_o that_o our_o divine_a acknowledgement_n such_o as_o be_v pretend_v in_o our_o prayer_n he_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o consequent_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o devotion_n second_o i_o argue_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o from_o the_o first_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o religion_n this_o have_v its_o prime_a relation_n unto_o god_n by_o this_o we_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o according_a to_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n for_o whether_o the_o name_n be_v derive_v à_fw-la relegendo_fw-la or_o religando_fw-la according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o isidore_n or_o s._n austin_n it_o must_v still_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n or_o if_o we_o have_v rather_o accept_v of_o tully_n definition_n that_o it_o be_v virtus_fw-la quae_fw-la superiori_fw-la cuidam_fw-la naturae_fw-la cultum_fw-la ceremoniamque_fw-la affert_fw-la a_o virtue_n that_o bring_v worship_n and_o ceremony_n to_o a_o certain_a superior_a nature_n this_o superior_a nature_n determine_v by_o cuidam_fw-la be_v but_o one_o even_o the_o supreme_a and_o most_o excellent_a be_v now_o prayer_n be_v a_o eminent_a act_n of_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o i_o know_v religion_n and_o prayer_n too_o be_v term_n of_o a_o equivocal_a significancy_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o have_v many_o distinction_n frame_v concern_v they_o to_o evade_v argument_n rather_o than_o answer_v they_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o confine_v god_n worship_n to_o himself_o when_o i_o treat_v therefore_o of_o religion_n here_o though_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n it_o include_v other_o thing_n i_o intend_v only_o those_o proper_a act_n of_o duty_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o the_o supreme_a be_v flow_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n which_o our_o own_o obligation_n prompt_v we_o to_o or_o impose_v on_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o sacred_a writ_n in_o general_a or_o particular_a injunction_n and_o by_o the_o inference_n that_o reason_n may_v most_o direct_o and_o just_o draw_v from_o it_o and_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o a_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n now_o whatever_o else_o beside_o god_n himself_o share_v in_o this_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o join_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o admit_v to_o partake_v in_o such_o religious_a worship_n so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n become_v a_o copartner_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o universe_n consist_v of_o god_n and_o creature_n what_o ever_o else_o we_o regious_o invocate_v must_v be_v some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_n hand_n and_o then_o we_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o his_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o god_n consequent_o we_o dispose_v the_o creator_n honour_n to_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o detract_v from_o the_o architect_n to_o exalt_v his_o build_n a_o affront_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n though_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o most_o worthy_a creature_n because_o he_o have_v declare_v against_o and_o forbid_v it_o but_o never_o signify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o either_o by_o his_o public_a command_n or_o permission_n unless_o because_o he_o have_v suffer_v idol_n till_o the_o worshipper_n sin_n be_v ripe_a for_o vengeance_n man_n will_v from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o approve_v it_o and_o dare_v bold_a man_n make_v idol_n to_o themselves_o which_o god_n so_o constant_o forbid_v and_o hate_v or_o take_v other_o into_o partnership_n with_o he_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a jehovah_n such_o a_o lord_n as_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v none_o other_o but_o further_a that_o god_n be_v only_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o religion_n seem_v a_o proposition_n so_o firm_o rivet_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o though_o many_o have_v mistake_v their_o god_n yet_o few_o will_v
pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o supplicate_v such_o image_n which_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o carve_a work_n of_o man_n hand_n yet_o they_o therefore_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o divinity_n and_o that_o the_o deity_n itself_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o residence_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n within_o the_o image_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o block_n or_o stone_n itself_o but_o through_o the_o case_n they_o pass_v to_o the_o divinity_n such_o little_a shift_n do_v other_o also_o who_o shall_v understand_v religion_n better_o use_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o idol_n be_v so_o well_o instruct_v by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o a_o creature_n must_v needs_o appear_v unreasonable_a in_o religion_n since_o no_o subject_n can_v with_o loyalty_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a only_o to_o the_o king_n to_o any_o though_o the_o most_o noble_a peer_n when_o it_o be_v referve_v to_o the_o king_n alone_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v reserve_v divine_a worship_n such_o as_o solemn_a prayer_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v only_o to_o himself_o no_o man_n can_v lawful_o give_v it_o to_o another_o and_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v with_o true_a religion_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o my_o last_o argument_n for_o prayer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n only_o three_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o none_o but_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o petition_n who_o among_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v so_o capable_a of_o understanding_n or_o bestow_v the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o or_o endow_v with_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o fit_a for_o rational_a creature_n in_o all_o their_o exigency_n to_o become_v devout_a petitioner_n unto_o can_v any_o give_v we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o dispense_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n but_o himself_o when_o he_o convey_v this_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o other_o they_o be_v only_o his_o substitute_v delegate_n and_o he_o no_o more_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o they_o than_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o praise_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n who_o can_v bestow_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o both_o who_o treasure_n be_v inexhaustible_a who_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o grace_n be_v convey_v be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o to_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v but_o also_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n always_o spring_v up_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o can_v bestow_v the_o glory_n above_o but_o he_o who_o presence_n make_v it_o so_o who_o right_a hand_n hold_v star_n and_o have_v all_o crown_n at_o his_o own_o disposal_n who_o can_v rid_v we_o of_o many_o trouble_n especial_o those_o that_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o can_v rebuke_v tempest_n and_o storm_n dispel_v the_o cloud_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o and_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o all_o their_o affliction_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v in_o a_o person_n qualify_v for_o rational_a creature_n to_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o hear_v and_o understand_v our_o petition_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bestow_v what_o we_o supplicate_v he_o for_o and_o 3._o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v what_o we_o beg_v if_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o prudence_n and_o our_o welfare_n and_o who_o can_v we_o find_v thus_o qualify_v but_o the_o great_a god_n who_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v who_o be_v omniscient_a and_o can_v understand_v our_o petition_n and_o know_v our_o want_n omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v our_o desire_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o our_o advantage_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n all_o our_o address_n will_v be_v render_v fruitless_a if_o he_o can_v hear_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o relieve_v or_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v kind_a to_o we_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o earnest_o beg_v relief_n from_o he_o if_o beggar_n know_v such_o man_n among_o ourselves_o they_o will_v spare_v their_o breath_n whilst_o these_o pass_v by_o so_o that_o i_o may_v now_o propose_v eliphaz'_v question_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n with_o better_a reason_n than_o that_o in_o which_o the_o papist_n urge_v it_o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v job_n 5.1_o angel_n themselves_o will_v be_v charge_v with_o folly_n shall_v they_o attempt_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o religious_a petition_n without_o a_o declare_a permission_n or_o command_v from_o their_o maker_n how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o have_v dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n who_o have_v be_v crush_v before_o the_o moth_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o admire_v here_o go_v away_o when_o they_o be_v destroy_v from_o morning_n to_o evening_n the_o dead_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o understand_v can_v no_o more_o hear_v we_o than_o baal_n can_v his_o prophet_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o he_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n they_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n to_o our_o call_n than_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n with_o the_o instrument_n of_o speech_n when_o their_o defer_a carcase_n lay_v rot_v in_o a_o grave_a but_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o audience_n and_o several_a way_n converse_v with_o man_n he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o he_o have_v three_o attribute_n that_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o our_o religious_a address_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v petition_v from_o he_o but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v and_o to_o bestow_v it_o for_o power_n be_v only_o a_o ability_n so_o to_o exercise_v causality_n as_o to_o influence_n cause_v to_o produce_v their_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o cause_n be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o must_v be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o fullfil_v our_o desire_n 2._o he_o be_v omniscient_a too_o and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v our_o want_n for_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o a_o exertion_n of_o power_n as_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o a_o ability_n and_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o power_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a must_v needs_o be_v omniscient_a also_o for_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v there_o will_v be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n will_v be_v weaken_v and_o destroy_v nor_o do_v the_o not_o know_v or_o effect_v impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n at_o all_o invalidate_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n because_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thing_n in_o act_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v such_o in_o power_n nor_o can_v any_o futurity_n give_v they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v and_o must_v remain_v nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o strength_n or_o knowledge_n 3._o god_n have_v infinite_a goodness_n essential_a to_o his_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o now_o support_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o his_o goodness_n beside_o particular_a example_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o daily_a providence_n without_o the_o two_o former_a attribute_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v nor_o can_v he_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o be_v with_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o almighty_a power_n without_o any_o goodness_n to_o allay_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o surppose_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o omnipotent_a devil_n for_o what_o being_n be_v that_o have_v sufficient_a power_n without_o any_o good_a nature_n to_o restrain_v it_o they_o that_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o other_o know_v by_o too_o woeful_a and_o melancholy_a experience_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n therefore_o of_o power_n knowledge_n and_o goodness_n be_v thus_o rational_o fix_v in_o the_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v he_o become_v a_o fit_a
object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o one_o in_o who_o we_o may_v confide_v and_o trust_v since_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n there_o be_v safety_n he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o and_o the_o mark_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o our_o being_n live_v and_o our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o his_o wonderful_a redemption_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o ransom_n for_o we_o all_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fulfil_v his_o promise_n make_v on_o earth_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o bloody_a sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o such_o a_o god_n will_v be_v both_o ungrateful_a and_o inhuman_a to_o be_v the_o most_o surly_a and_o vile_a pensioner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o provoke_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o we_o must_v unman_v ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v thus_o ungod_o the_o deity_n last_o that_o i_o may_v urge_v a_o most_o conclude_a argument_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o thus_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o have_v prohibit_v the_o offering_n our_o religious_a devotion_n to_o any_o other_o this_o be_v engraven_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v of_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a establishment_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n but_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o ourselves_o any_o idol_n to_o worship_n nor_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o thing_n religious_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o exod._n 20._o and_o he_o back_v the_o prohibition_n with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o jealousy_n he_o have_v of_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o a_o solemn_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v severe_o punish_v the_o guilty_a we_o find_v therefore_o that_o when_o aaron_n to_o appease_v the_o multitude_n make_v a_o melt_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n suppose_v to_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o their_o deliverer_n and_o the_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n rear_v a_o altar_n upon_o which_o they_o make_v their_o burn_a and_o peace_n offering_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n in_o god_n transfer_v their_o oblation_n through_o this_o representation_n to_o he_o that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o offering_n and_o the_o idol_n make_v god_n the_o ultimate_a object_n of_o their_o devotion_n by_o proclaim_v this_o to_o be_v a_o feast_n unto_o jehovah_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o fire_n kindle_v for_o this_o sacrifice_n make_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o burn_v nor_o can_v moses_n intercession_n expiate_v the_o crime_n but_o he_o blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n there_o be_v immediate_o slay_v three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o god_n continue_v to_o plague_v the_o people_n scatter_v their_o carcase_n about_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o their_o progress_n visit_v this_o sin_n upon_o they_o exod._n 33._o nay_o man_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o caution_v by_o many_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o approach_v not_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v god_n glory_n to_o another_o or_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_v or_o melt_a image_n too_o numerous_a for_o i_o to_o reckon_v up_o here_o and_o grant_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o those_o scripture_n but_o god_n have_v sufficient_o forbid_v it_o under_o the_o new_a where_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o worship_n more_o proportionate_a to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o service_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n neither_o with_o the_o corporal_a representation_n of_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o in_o their_o schism_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o bloody_a sacrifice_n or_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n prefigure_v any_o messiah_n to_o come_v nor_o yet_o as_o the_o gentile_n by_o any_o of_o their_o inferior_a daemon_n when_o satan_n tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o same_o bait_n which_o other_o make_v a_o tender_a of_o to_o those_o who_o they_o endeavour_v to_o proselyte_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o he_o present_o repel_v he_o with_o disdain_n and_o scorn_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o if_o god_n will_v have_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o but_o the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n he_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v mankind_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o there_o will_v have_v appear_v light_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n that_o seem_v not_o so_o considerable_a to_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o expect_v in_o his_o solemn_a worship_n from_o they_o but_o no_o direction_n to_o this_o appear_v nor_o can_v the_o scripture_n at_o all_o patronize_v it_o unless_o corrupt_v by_o false_a gloss_n and_o force_v interpretation_n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o all_o eye_n that_o be_v not_o blind_a may_v behold_v it_o angel_n themselves_o those_o glorious_a creature_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o civil_a respect_n to_o they_o refuse_v to_o share_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o prohibit_v the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o angel_n which_o appear_v to_o converse_v with_o saint_n john_n when_o this_o belove_a disciple_n prostrate_v himself_o to_o worship_v he_o sudden_o reply_v see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o and_o urge_v two_o argument_n to_o enforce_v his_o prohibition_n enough_o to_o deter_v all_o mankind_n from_o pay_v act_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o creature_n 1._o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n the_o offspring_n of_o the_o universal_a parent_n therefore_o such_o honour_n be_v not_o due_a to_o i_o 2._o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o adoration_n such_o homage_n be_v just_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o angel_n worship_n god_n rev._n 19.10_o nay_o worship_a god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n beguile_v christian_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o crown_n which_o they_o strive_v for_o col._n 2.18_o and_o much_o more_o must_v they_o miss_v their_o recompense_n if_o they_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o the_o angel_n themselves_o beg_v of_o they_o what_o be_v part_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o grant_v now_o as_o the_o invocation_n of_o these_o detract_v so_o much_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n so_o much_o more_o do_v we_o derogate_v from_o his_o honour_n if_o we_o make_v religious_a petition_n unto_o saint_n for_o these_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a classis_fw-la their_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o those_o embellishment_n that_o adorn_v angel_n therefore_o when_o cornelius_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v saint_n peter_n he_o snatch_v he_o up_o and_o bid_v he_o stand_v upon_o his_o foot_n and_o forbear_v such_o signal_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o which_o be_v usual_o pay_v in_o act_n of_o devotion_n for_o say_v he_o i_o myself_o also_o be_o a_o man_n act_v 10.26_o thus_o also_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n refuse_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o lycaonian_o rend_v their_o clothes_n at_o their_o public_a blasphemy_n and_o intend_a idolatry_n and_o stop_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o a_o argument_n that_o methinks_v shall_v startle_v other_o we_o also_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o you_o act_n 14.15_o this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n therefore_o why_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o sacred_a writ_n and_o forbid_v to_o offer_v our_o devotion_n to_o another_o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o my_o three_o enquiry_n by_o show_v we_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n chap._n v._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mode_n of_o our_o address_n to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o for_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n we_o adore_v and_o worship_n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o religious_a devotion_n in_o which_o solemn_a prayer_n bear_v a_o great_a share_n in_o this_o some_o of_o the_o controversy_n among_o we_o raise_v by_o person_n who_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o will_v be_v something_o though_o not_o as_o much_o as_o i_o intend_v regard_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o 1._o with_o
expression_n can_v not_o certain_o be_v stop_v by_o the_o cloud_n but_o must_v dart_v themselves_o clear_a through_o they_o and_o ascend_v above_o the_o moon_n sun_n and_o more_o lofty_a star_n and_o lodge_v themselves_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n nay_o they_o themselves_o who_o by_o rub_v and_o chafe_v and_o other_o implement_n have_v be_v advance_v to_o this_o height_n of_o carry_v their_o soul_n out_o of_o their_o body_n like_o the_o heathen_a enthusiast_n who_o divine_v in_o a_o fury_n have_v cause_v other_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o which_o take_v its_o original_n from_o man_n own_o indisposition_n and_o madness_n such_o thing_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o warm_a constitution_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o odd_a temperament_n in_o man_n body_n pass_v frequent_o for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o airy_a soul_n when_o it_o breathe_v forth_o extraordinary_a fancy_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v blow_v upon_o first_o by_o that_o which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o ill_a temperament_n of_o body_n that_o pass_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o inspire_a mind_n and_o many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o communication_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n nay_o oftentimes_o the_o product_n only_o of_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n this_o may_v imitate_v some_o primitive_a inspire_v extraordinary_a worship_n when_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o turn_n and_o other_o be_v to_o hold_v their_o tongue_n but_o though_o it_o resemble_v some_o kind_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n it_o be_v now_o no_o more_o than_o a_o unreasonable_a service_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o error_n and_o falsehood_n be_v fair_o varnish_v with_o a_o show_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v embrace_v by_o many_o proselyte_n who_o either_o will_n nor_o or_o can_v give_v themselves_o time_n and_o retirement_n to_o consider_v and_o search_v diligent_o into_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v too_o apparent_a and_o troublesome_a also_o to_o many_o man_n who_o find_v these_o thing_n much_o operate_n on_o the_o weak_a sex_n who_o be_v usual_o more_o guide_v by_o affection_n than_o reason_n and_o so_o be_v lead_v captive_a to_o divers_a lust_n yet_o that_o which_o cause_v error_n to_o be_v court_v instead_o of_o truth_n be_v some_o resemblance_n it_o bear_v to_o it_o because_o it_o have_v as_o plutarch_n report_v of_o the_o egyptian_a fable_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o faint_a and_o obscure_a representation_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o often_o promote_v by_o a_o person_n education_n predisposition_n and_o temperament_n of_o body_n in_o which_o a_o soul_n be_v imprison_v and_o lock_v up_o but_o at_o last_o break_v loose_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o disease_n through_o the_o pore_n of_o the_o body_n and_o obtain_v a_o unusual_a vehicle_n to_o carry_v it_o we_o read_v of_o some_o in_o tully_n de_fw-la divinat_fw-la lib._n 1._o who_o affirm_v and_o we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o back_o for_o they_o ad_fw-la opinionem_fw-la imperitorum_fw-la fict_n as_o esse_fw-la religiones_fw-la that_o religion_n be_v fit_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o be_v unskilful_a and_o not_o able_a to_o make_v inquisition_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n so_o state_v as_o we_o consent_v in_o here_o and_o yet_o a_o worship_n give_v to_o that_o be_v as_o unsuitable_a to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v almost_o possible_a which_o impose_v a_o cheat_n upon_o mankind_n then_o consider_v the_o principle_n the_o favourer_n pretend_v to_o be_v their_o conduct_n a_o odd_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o apparent_o practise_v it_o nay_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o more_o infirm_a judgement_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o very_a many_o of_o the_o proselyte_n to_o it_o who_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o weigh_v by_o their_o advantage_n for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n and_o more_o converse_n than_o they_o be_v will_v former_o to_o have_v with_o we_o that_o woman_n be_v wonderful_o devote_v to_o separation_n and_o though_o their_o husband_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o come_v to_o church_n the_o wife_n be_v yet_o addict_v to_o a_o conventicle_n but_o few_o man_n who_o do_v not_o make_v secular_a interest_n their_o god_n of_o any_o briskness_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n embrace_v those_o method_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o permit_v themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o their_o wife_n apronstring_n or_o follow_v the_o path_n and_o allurement_n of_o a_o mistress_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o trade_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o office_n and_o the_o same_o motive_n when_o religion_n be_v so_o low_a will_v bring_v they_o back_o to_o church_n again_o or_o equal_o incline_v they_o to_o geneva_n or_o rome_n and_o true_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o my_o time_n though_o i_o wish_v not_o for_o the_o opportunity_n again_o that_o the_o number_n of_o sex_n be_v extreme_o disproportionable_a among_o they_o which_o have_v create_v some_o wonder_n but_o no_o astonishment_n for_o i_o quick_o find_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n to_o gain_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o weak_a sex_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o entangle_v the_o strong_a thus_o the_o old_a serpent_n begin_v with_o eve_n and_o proceed_v afterward_o by_o miriam_n the_o sister_n of_o moses_n and_o still_o persist_v by_o the_o wife_n of_o job_n nay_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n when_o his_o power_n and_o craft_n be_v ebb_v and_o must_v abate_v the_o jew_n by_o his_o instigation_n stir_v up_o the_o devout_a and_o honourable_a woman_n to_o expel_v paul_n and_o 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roman_a god_n say_v omnis_fw-la igitur_fw-la talis_fw-la à_fw-la philosophiâ_fw-la pellatur_fw-la error_n ut_fw-la cum_fw-la de_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la disputemus_fw-la dicamus_fw-la digna_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o immortal_a god_n let_v we_o speak_v thing_n worthy_a of_o they_o the_o heathen_a may_v here_o instruct_v the_o christian_n or_o at_o least_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o who_o in_o spite_n of_o confutation_n will_v be_v account_v the_o best_a of_o that_o denomination_n that_o bold_a expression_n uncouth_a clamour_n and_o loose_a incoherent_a and_o many_o time_n insignificant_a sentence_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o inconsideration_n sudden_a invention_n and_o the_o extempore_o rapture_n of_o a_o nimble_a fancy_n do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o all_o our_o prayer_n be_v address_v nor_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n
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act_n of_o true_a devotion_n so_o as_o to_o entrap_v the_o multitude_n yet_o in_o this_o the_o cheat_n will_v be_v plain_o discover_v and_o his_o design_n will_v be_v write_v in_o open_a character_n on_o the_o matter_n he_o utter_v with_o a_o fervency_n beyond_o the_o modesty_n of_o devotion_n and_o appear_v also_o to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a eye_n if_o the_o head_n in_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v be_v considerate_a themistocles_n be_v discern_v to_o be_v no_o right_a athenian_a even_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a woman_n of_o the_o city_n because_o the_o great_a care_n he_o have_v in_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o his_o word_n cause_v she_o to_o perceive_v that_o he_o affect_v only_o but_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a phrase_n and_o accent_n of_o athens_n and_o indeed_o unless_o extempore_o man_n worship_v one_o god_n and_o we_o another_o it_o will_v not_o be_v either_o a_o formal_a head_n exact_o adorn_v nor_o a_o grave_a aspect_n nor_o either_o hard_a or_o soft_a expression_n although_o 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to_o the_o pay_a tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o rue_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o herb_n but_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n luke_o 11._o and_o the_o epicure_n notwithstanding_o the_o luxury_n and_o irregularity_n of_o their_o life_n can_v speak_v of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a school_n of_o athens_n with_o great_a reverence_n than_o any_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v in_o tully_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la that_o epicurus_n retollit_fw-la oratione_fw-la relinquit_fw-la deos_fw-la that_o he_o can_v allow_v those_o god_n in_o his_o speech_n which_o in_o reality_n he_o deny_v and_o whilst_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o falsehood_n in_o the_o world_n and_o man_n may_v make_v profession_n with_o their_o tongue_n of_o what_o their_o mind_n do_v not_o hearty_o assent_v to_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a and_o infallible_a judgement_n make_v from_o wordy_a expression_n or_o external_a gesture_n nor_o yet_o from_o seem_a transport_n of_o devotion_n tacitus_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o malcontent_n in_o galba_n time_n tristitiam_fw-la simulabant_fw-la propiores_fw-la contumaciae_fw-la that_o they_o counterfeit_v sorrow_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v stubborn_a and_o although_o many_o man_n among_o ourselves_o may_v have_v steady_a brow_n and_o fix_v eye_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o upright_a deportment_n yet_o privacy_n may_v discover_v to_o one_o who_o observant_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v either_o empty_a or_o else_o frothy_a and_o vain_a far_o too_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n which_o cicero_n pretend_v against_o verres_n frontem_fw-la atque_fw-la oculos_fw-la mentiri_fw-la their_o forehead_n and_o their_o eye_n speak_v falsehood_n boldness_n be_v a_o common_a shelter_n to_o these_o thing_n and_o confidence_n be_v almost_o characteristical_a to_o those_o that_o be_v adversary_n to_o our_o church_n prayer_n so_o great_a and_o large_a that_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v modesty_n enough_o to_o hold_v the_o tongue_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v apparent_o baffle_v much_o less_o to_o make_v their_o face_n blush_v when_o their_o hand_n be_v all_o smear_v with_o blood_n nay_o so_o much_o as_o to_o ascend_v to_o the_o throne_n with_o sword_n and_o staff_n not_o to_o mention_v what_o they_o take_v thence_o and_o most_o barbarous_o butcher_v and_o after_o all_o a_o hue_n and_o cry_n be_v perpetual_o send_v out_o after_o their_o repentance_n and_o yet_o they_o hide_v it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v find_v but_o instead_o of_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n they_o will_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n aver_v their_o piety_n to_o exceed_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n and_o from_o their_o fondness_n to_o themselves_o infer_v the_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o like_o that_o bloody_a and_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n who_o paint_v jupiter_n in_o the_o market_n place_n with_o pleasant_a colour_n and_o himself_o in_o his_o bosom_n though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v represent_v tread_v under_o his_o foot_n strabo_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v woman_n and_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n to_o religion_n by_o mere_a reason_n and_o dry_a philosophy_n but_o that_o for_o this_o there_o be_v need_n of_o superstition_n and_o this_o can_v be_v advance_v without_o fable_n and_o wonder_n geor._n lib._n 1._o yet_o the_o great_a god_n who_o all_o christian_n pretend_v to_o adore_v never_o usher_v in_o his_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v real_a and_o true_a but_o when_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v become_v plant_v and_o sufficient_o by_o miracle_n beyond_o all_o the_o ability_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o prove_v to_o be_v divine_a the_o rational_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o it_o not_o wise_a contradict_v natural_a religion_n will_v sufficient_o enforce_v its_o esteem_n and_o exercise_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o new_a juggle_v or_o device_n of_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o the_o roman_n that_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o embrace_v though_o false_a in_o its_o self_n may_v neither_o suffer_v by_o flattery_n or_o fraud_n when_o the_o soothsayer_n increase_v so_o fast_o in_o their_o city_n make_v a_o order_n of_o senate_n that_o none_o but_o gentleman_n shall_v practice_v these_o matter_n leave_v so_o exalt_v and_o divine_a a_o art_n shall_v be_v degrade_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o base_a trade_n of_o fraud_n and_o cozenage_n as_o tully_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o divinat_fw-la and_o indeed_o it_o hold_v good_a and_o rational_a under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n more_o than_o it_o can_v possible_o under_o a_o false_a for_o where_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o priesthood_n be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n they_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o carry_v wisp_n of_o hay_n to_o feed_v calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n but_o far_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o now_o find_v secular_a interest_n a_o most_o prevail_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o upon_o a_o late_a and_o more_o particular_a scrutiny_n we_o find_v man_n particular_a religion_n stoop_v to_o their_o own_o personal_a advantage_n and_o the_o rite_n and_o devotion_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o exercise_v in_o the_o true_a profession_n to_o be_v countermand_v when_o enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n by_o the_o profit_n which_o attend_v man_n particular_a trade_n and_o occupation_n as_o if_o because_o demetrius_n and_o other_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n it_o must_v present_o be_v conclude_v that_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o our_o sectary_n
understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o text_n forbid_a either_o by_o what_o be_v translate_v vain_a repetition_n or_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o be_v say_v to_o use_v they_o the_o word_n use_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o you_o pray_v do_v not_o speak_v as_o battus_n do_v now_o though_o suidas_n explain_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v much_o yet_o the_o text_n even_o in_o the_o prime_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n prohibit_v all_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o language_n as_o one_o battus_n do_v from_o who_o name_n part_n of_o the_o compound_a verb_n be_v take_v and_o translate_v into_o the_o text_n who_o make_v long_a hymn_n full_a of_o tautology_n he_o be_v a_o very_a idle_a and_o empty_a poet._n as_o to_o what_o maldonate_fw-it mention_n of_o another_o of_o the_o same_o name_n who_o have_v a_o hesitation_n or_o stammer_n in_o his_o speech_n deliver_v such_o thick_a and_o swift_a language_n that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v he_o this_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o this_o be_v only_o a_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o not_o any_o careless_a or_o affect_v extravagance_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o caution_n and_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o jesuit_n himself_o second_o we_o may_v more_o full_o understand_v what_o be_v here_o forbid_a by_o a_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o say_v the_o text_n use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v now_o the_o heathen_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o their_o tragedian_n be_v wont_a many_o time_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o make_v repetition_n of_o the_o same_o word_n especial_o of_o the_o name_n of_o that_o god_n which_o they_o pray_v unto_o and_o they_o conjecture_v also_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o loud_o and_o more_o shrill_a their_o speech_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ready_a will_v their_o god_n be_v to_o give_v they_o audience_n and_o to_o return_v answer_n to_o their_o petition_n to_o this_o custom_n do_v elijah_n seem_v to_o allude_v when_o he_o speak_v ironical_o to_o baal_n prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.27_o cry_v aloud_o for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n either_o he_o be_v talk_v or_o he_o be_v pursue_v or_o he_o be_v on_o a_o journey_n or_o peradventure_o he_o sleep_v and_o must_v be_v awake_v now_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o separatist_n be_v conceive_v extempore_o he_o deliver_v those_o thing_n and_o word_n that_o a_o quick_a fancy_n and_o sudden_a invention_n prompt_v he_o to_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o worship_n he_o will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o use_v these_o prohibit_v repetition_n for_o where_o matter_n and_o method_n yea_o and_o expression_n too_o be_v not_o before_o hand_n study_v and_o compose_v and_o put_v into_o some_o decent_a order_n the_o memory_n can_v firm_o retain_v what_o have_v be_v 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